The largest of the beam trawlers in the Waterdance fleet, Julie of Ladram, has quite a history behind it. It was originally built at the Haak Shipyard in Holland for a Texel family in 1983 and for many years fished in the North Sea as the Cornelis Maria, before it changed hands and operated under both UK and German flags for its owners in Holland, until the 38-metre trawler came to Brixham.

Although this is a trawler with plenty of sea time behind it, its age is deceptive. A serious fire on board ten years ago meant that much of the superstructure was damaged beyond repair and a major refit was carried out, with a new wheelhouse and accommodation fitted. The result is that Julie of Ladram is relatively new above the deck, and below deck level has a solid hull of the kind the Haak yard’s reputation was built on.